TTCI’s annual review draws more than 500 to Colorado

Transportation Technology Center, Inc., held its 18th Annual AAR Research Review March 5-6, 2013, in Pueblo, Colo. This year's theme was "Technology Driven Solutions to Improve Safety and Efficiency."

The research review drew more than 500 attendees from 14 different countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Spain and Taiwan.

The first day of the review focused on research presentations on a number of topics including technology solutions for equipment, track, bridge, track inspection, equipment inspection and system issues. TTCI researchers presented a series of three to four papers on each topic and then a topic-specific panel discussion followed involving railroad, Federal Railroad Administration, university and supplier representatives.

In addition to the general session topics, the annual review offered two workshops covering improved rail material and welding methods and rolling contact fatigue of wheel/rail systems.

The second day of the annual review invited attendees out to TTCI's Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST). Attendees were able to walk the 2.7-mile high tonnage loop and see the in-track tests and speak with TTCI project managers about their research, as well as view poster displays from the FRA and AAR University Affiliated Labs.